Down Under - Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson turns his roving eye to Australia, the only island that is also a continent and the only continent that is also a country. It is the driest, flattest, most desiccated, infertile and climatically aggressive of all the inhabited continents. It has more things that can kill you in a very nasty way that anywhere else. Yet when Bill Bryson travelled to Australia he promptly fell in love with the country. And who can blame him? The people are cheerful, the cities safe and clean, the food is excellent, the beer is cold and the sun nearly always shines. He tries to find out why Aussies are so cool, digging up a past that reveals convicts, explorers, gold diggers and outlaws.

The Snowman - Jo Nesbo

A young boy wakes to find his mother missing. Their house is empty but outside he sees his mothers favourite scarf - wrapped around a snowman.  Harry Hole, the leading detective finds an alarming number of wives and mothers have gone missing over the years and he finds himself searching for a serial killer.

Zuitoun - Dave Eggers

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina destroyed most of New Orleans city. Most residents had abounded the city before she struck, but Zuitoun stayed behind to look after the properties he had so carefully built and managed.  Whilst in the city he began to rescue some of his fellow neighbours and look after their dogs, however things were about to take an ugly turn. His wife who had fled to keep the family safe could only learn through brief phone calls and radio and TV broadcasts the horrors that were truly unfolding in the city.

North World x3 - Lars Brown

The first two books of the North World series are the story of Conrad, who is young lad fighting mythical beasts to save the world.  The third book is a collection of short stories, connected to the characters of the first two books.

Life and Laughing - Michael McIntyre

Life and Laughing is the autobiography of Michael McIntyre, who is a famous stand up comic.  THis is the story of how he became who he is today.  His showbiz roots, his appalling attempts to attract the opposite sex and the amazing journey from selling no seats at Edinburgh festival to being a sell out at Wembley.

Run Mummy Run - Cathy Glass

Run Mummy Run, is a novel based on a true story. Aisha joins a dating service she has found in the paper, and finds the perfect match. But what is so perfect turns into her worst nightmare. How far can she go to escape her life and save herself and her children.

The Slap - Christos Tsiolkas

At a suburban barbecue one afternoon, a man slaps an unruly boy. The boy is not his son. It is a single act of violence, but this one slap reverberates through the lives of everyone who witnesses it happen.

Iain Banks - Dead Air

Dead Air is narrated by Kenneth Nott, a shock-jock on commercial radio who takes a swollen pride in his contrarian opinions. We first meet him at a drug-fuelled loft party in the East End of London, where everyone, for some reason, starts chucking fruit and furniture off the balcony. Ken's girlfriend, Jo, does PR for a snotty young British indie band called Addicta; he is also sleeping with a woman called Celia (or "Ceel"), who happens to be married to a dangerous gangster.

I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore

John Smith is not your average teenager. He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is. If he stops moving those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can't run forever. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to try and settle down. To fit in. And for the first time he makes some real friends. People he cares about - and who care about him. Never in John's short life has there been space for friendship, or even love. But it's just a matter of time before John's secret is revealed. He was once one of nine. Three of them have been killed. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next...

When The Lion Feeds - Wilber Smith

It is the 1870s and twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney are born into the wilds of Natal. They could not be more different, and fate, war and the jealous schemes of a woman are to drive them even further apart. But as history unfolds, a continent is awakening. And on the horizon is the promise of fortune, adventure, destiny and love.

Why read- As part of the challenge I am trying to read a wide range of books from all genres. This is one Mark recommended as one to read, and its a genre I would usually not touch.